Decree No. 227/2026/ND-CP detailing certain provisions on promoting participation in organizations, forums, cooperation networks; international integration of localities; allocated research expenses serving international integration and some special mechanisms and policies pursuant to Resolution No. 250/2025/QH15 dated December 10, 2025 of the National Assembly.

 

DECREE

Providing detailed regulations on certain provisions to promote participation in organizations, forums, networks of cooperation; international integration of localities; cost allocation for research serving international integration and some special mechanisms and policies

Pursuant to Resolution No. 250/2025/QH15 dated December 10, 2025 of the National Assembly
On some special mechanisms and policies to enhance the effectiveness of international integration

 

BASED ON THE LAW ON ORGANIZATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 2025 No. 63/2025/QH15;

BASED ON THE LAW ON ENACTING LEGAL DOCUMENTS 2025 No. 64/2025/QH15 amended and supplemented by Law No. 87/2025/QH15;

BASED ON RESOLUTION No. 250/2025/QH15 of the National Assembly on some special mechanisms and policies to enhance the effectiveness of international integration;

AT THE PROPOSAL OF THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS;

The Government promulgates this Decree providing detailed regulations on certain provisions to promote participation in organizations, forums, networks of cooperation; international integration of localities; cost allocation for research serving international integration and some special mechanisms and policies pursuant to Resolution No. 250/2025/QH15 dated December 10, 2025 of the National Assembly on some special mechanisms and policies to enhance the effectiveness of international integration. PART I

 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

 

This Decree provides detailed regulations on Clause 4 of Article 5 regarding participation in multilateral organizations of the Government, ministries, ministerial-level agencies without signing international treaties, agreements; Article 8 encouraging the presence of international organizations, special delegations in Vietnam and enhancing understanding, research about Vietnam; Clause 1 and Clause 3 of Article 12 facilitating conditions for businesses to expand business activities, bidding, investment abroad and encouraging the establishment of pilot representative organizations and protection of rights for Vietnamese businesses abroad; Clause 2 of Article 14 on conditions, procedures, steps for establishing, functions, tasks, organizational structure and management mechanism of the office of the provincial People's Committee abroad; Article 15 on participation in cooperation mechanisms, forums, networks of local authorities; Article 17 on issuing criminal record certificates for Vietnamese citizens at Vietnamese representative offices abroad; Article 18 on real estate purchase projects and construction investment of Vietnamese agencies abroad; Article 20 on cost allocation for research serving international integration under Resolution No. 250/2025/QH15 dated December 10, 2025 of the National Assembly on some special mechanisms and policies to enhance the effectiveness of international integration.

Article 2. General Principles

1. Ensuring strict compliance with the principles of applying special mechanisms and policies as stipulated in Article 4 of Resolution No. 250/2025/QH15.

2. Promoting decentralization and clearly defining the authority of central state agencies and local authorities, encouraging initiative, creativity, and self-responsibility of each agency in implementing international integration tasks.

3. Promoting simplification of internal administrative procedures among state agencies.

PART II

 

PARTICIPATION IN ORGANIZATIONS, COOPERATION MECHANISMS, FORUMS,

NETWORKS OF COOPERATION WITHOUT SIGNING INTERNATIONAL TREATIES, AGREEMENTS
Article 3. Principles of Participation in Organizations, Cooperation Mechanisms, Forums, Networks of Cooperation Without Signing International Treaties, Agreements
1. In accordance with the Constitution and laws of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, national interests, ethnic interests, foreign policy of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, and international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam is a member; respecting the principle of respecting national sovereignty, not interfering in the internal affairs of other countries, and other basic principles of international law.

 

2. Ensuring requirements for national defense, security, diplomacy, and efficiency within the scope of state budget funds allocated or self-financing as prescribed by law.

3. Consistent with the functions, tasks, and powers of participating agencies, not binding responsibilities on agencies, organizations that do not participate in these organizations, forums, cooperation networks; not generating, changing, or terminating rights and obligations of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam according to international law and complying with the procedures and steps prescribed in this Decree.

2. Ensuring the requirements for national defense, security, foreign relations, and effectiveness within the scope of state budget funds allocated or self-management as prescribed by law.

3. Consistent with the functions, tasks, and authorities of participating agencies, without binding the implementation responsibilities of Vietnamese agencies and organizations that do not participate in such organizations, forums, or cooperation networks; not generating, changing, or terminating rights and obligations of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam under international law, and complying with the procedures and formalities stipulated in this Decree.

Article 4. Procedure and formalities for participating in organizations, forums, cooperation networks on behalf of the Government without entering into international treaties or agreements

1. The proposing agency, which is a ministry or equivalent agency, shall submit a proposal to participate in organizations, forums, cooperation networks on behalf of the Government without entering into international treaties or agreements, to seek the written opinions of the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and relevant agencies and organizations.

2. Agencies and organizations whose opinions are sought shall be responsible for replying in writing within seven working days from the date of receipt of the complete dossier as stipulated in Article 7 of this Decree. In cases involving complex foreign relations, security, or defense issues, the reply period may not exceed fifteen working days.

3. The proposing agency shall be responsible for studying and incorporating the opinions of the agencies and organizations whose opinions were sought, perfecting the dossier, and submitting it to the Prime Minister for decision.

4. Within seven working days from the date of receipt of the complete dossier as stipulated in Article 7 of this Decree, the Prime Minister shall provide written comments on the participation in the organization, forum, or cooperation network of the Government. Based on the written decision of the Prime Minister, the proposing agency shall proceed with the participation in the organization, forum, or cooperation network according to the procedures prescribed by the organization, forum, or cooperation network.

5. The proposing agency shall notify in writing and send the charter or other documents regarding the organization's activities and a document affirming Vietnam’s participation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies and organizations within fifteen days from the date of participation.

6. In cases where it is necessary according to the regulations or practices of the organization, forum, or cooperation network, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall issue an external document affirming Vietnam’s participation in the organization, forum, or cooperation network based on the written approval of the Prime Minister as stipulated in Clause 4 of this Article.

Article 5. Procedure and formalities for participating in organizations, cooperation mechanisms, forums, and cooperation networks on behalf of ministries, equivalent agencies, and provincial People's Committees without entering into international agreements

1. The proposing agency, which is a ministry, equivalent agency, or provincial People's Committee, shall submit a proposal to participate in organizations, cooperation mechanisms, forums, and cooperation networks on behalf of its own agency without entering into international agreements, to seek the written opinions of the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and relevant agencies and organizations.

2. Agencies and organizations whose opinions are sought shall be responsible for replying in writing within seven working days from the date of receipt of the complete dossier as stipulated in Article 7 of this Decree. In cases involving complex foreign relations, security, or defense issues, the reply period may not exceed fifteen working days.

3. The Minister, Head of an equivalent agency, or Chairman of a provincial People's Committee shall decide and bear responsibility for the participation in the organization, cooperation mechanism, forum, or cooperation network after studying and incorporating the opinions of the agencies and organizations whose opinions were sought.

4. In cases where the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs agree but the relevant agencies and organizations specified in Clause 1 of this Article do not agree on the participation in the organization, cooperation mechanism, forum, or cooperation network, the Minister, Head of an equivalent agency, or Chairman of a provincial People's Committee shall decide and bear responsibility for the participation in the organization, cooperation mechanism, forum, or cooperation network. If there is opposition from the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of National Defense, or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then the organization, cooperation mechanism, forum, or cooperation network will not be participated in.

5. The proposing agency shall notify in writing and send the charter or other documents regarding the organization's activities and a document affirming the participation of the Vietnamese agency to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies and organizations within fifteen days from the date of participation.

Article 6. Procedure and formalities for participating in cooperation mechanisms, forums, and cooperation networks on behalf of the People's Committee at the commune level without entering into international agreements

1. The proposing agency, which is the People's Committee at the commune level, shall submit a proposal file to participate in cooperation mechanisms, forums, and cooperation networks on behalf of its own agency without entering into international agreements to seek written opinions from the Provincial Police, the Provincial Military Command, the provincial specialized agency on foreign affairs, relevant provincial departments, and other related agencies and organizations.

2. Agencies and organizations mentioned in Clause 1 of this Article shall reply in writing within seven working days from the date they receive the complete file as stipulated in Article 7 of this Decree. In cases involving complex issues related to foreign affairs, security, and defense, the response period shall not exceed fifteen working days.

3. The People's Committee at the commune level shall compile, explain, incorporate opinions, and submit the proposal file to participate in cooperation mechanisms, forums, and cooperation networks to the provincial specialized agency on foreign affairs for submission to the Chairman of the People's Committee at the commune level for consideration and decision.

4. The Chairman of the People's Committee at the commune level shall decide in writing on the participation of the People's Committee at the commune level in cooperation mechanisms, forums, and cooperation networks within five working days from the date of receiving the complete file as stipulated in Article 7 of this Decree. Based on the written decision of the Chairman of the People's Committee at the commune level, the proposing agency shall proceed with participation in cooperation mechanisms, forums, and cooperation networks according to the procedures prescribed by the organization, forum, or cooperation network.

5. The proposing agency shall notify in writing, send the charter or other documents regarding the organization and activities of the cooperation mechanism, forum, or cooperation network, and a document confirming Vietnam's participation to the provincial specialized agency on foreign affairs within fifteen days from the date of participation.

Article 7. Documents for seeking opinions on proposals to join organizations, cooperation mechanisms, forums, and cooperation networks

1. The proposal document for joining organizations, cooperation mechanisms, forums, and cooperation networks must include the following main contents:

a) Requirements and purposes of joining the organization, cooperation mechanism, forum, or cooperation network;

b) A summary of the history, functions, tasks, organizational structure, and members of the organization, cooperation mechanism, forum, or cooperation network;

c) Compliance with the principles stipulated in Article 3 of this Decree;

d) An assessment of the impact of joining the organization, forum, or cooperation network on politics, foreign affairs, national defense, security, socio-economic aspects, and other impacts;

đ) Effectiveness and resources for joining the organization, cooperation mechanism, forum, or cooperation network.

2. The charter or other documents regarding the organization and activities of the organization, cooperation mechanism, forum, or cooperation network in Vietnamese and a foreign language. If the charter or other documents are drafted in a foreign language, a Vietnamese translation must be attached.

Article 8. Documents for reporting on participation in organizations, cooperation mechanisms, forums, and cooperation networks

1. The proposal document for joining organizations, cooperation mechanisms, forums, and cooperation networks, including the contents specified in Clause 1 of Article 7 of this Decree and any differing opinions between the agencies and organizations sought for their opinions (if applicable).

2. Written opinions of the agencies and organizations sought for their opinions.

3. A report explaining and incorporating the opinions of the agencies and organizations sought for their opinions.

4. The charter or other documents regarding the organization and activities of the organization, cooperation mechanism, forum, or cooperation network in Vietnamese and a foreign language. If the charter or other documents are drafted in a foreign language, a Vietnamese translation must be attached.

Article 9. Contents of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and provincial specialized agencies on foreign affairs to provide opinions on proposals to participate in organizations, cooperation mechanisms, forums, and cooperation networks.

1. The necessity and purpose of participation based on an assessment of the relationship between Vietnam and the organization, cooperation mechanism, forum, or cooperation network.

2. Compliance with the principles stipulated in Article 3 of this Decree.

3. Compliance with the procedures and formalities for participation.

Article 10. Contents of relevant agencies and organizations to provide opinions on participation in organizations, cooperation mechanisms, forums, and cooperation networks.

1. An assessment of the compatibility between participation and the international cooperation policy of the sector or field within the scope of their assigned functions and tasks; requirements for national defense and security (if applicable).

2. An assessment of the compatibility between participation and the provisions of related specialized laws.

3. An assessment of the feasibility and effectiveness of participation within the scope of their assigned functions and tasks.

Article 11. Termination or suspension of participation in organizations, cooperation mechanisms, forums, and cooperation networks.

1. Participation in organizations, cooperation mechanisms, forums, and cooperation networks may be terminated or suspended according to the charter or other documents governing the organization's activities or by agreement between the participating parties in Vietnam and the foreign participating party.

2. The participating party in Vietnam must terminate its participation in an organization, cooperation mechanism, forum, or cooperation network if there is a violation of any of the principles stipulated in Article 3 of this Decree during the participation process.

3. The authority that decides on participation also has the authority to decide on the termination or suspension of participation in organizations, cooperation mechanisms, forums, and cooperation networks.

4. Procedures and formalities for terminating or suspending participation in organizations, cooperation mechanisms, forums, and cooperation networks.

a) The proposing agency, which is a ministry or equivalent agency, submits a proposal file to terminate or suspend participation in an organization, forum, or cooperation network on behalf of the Government; ministries, equivalent agencies, or provincial People's Committees submit a proposal file to terminate or suspend participation in an organization, cooperation mechanism, forum, or cooperation network on behalf of their own agency to seek written opinions from the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and related agencies and organizations.

The proposing agency, which is a commune-level People's Committee, submits a proposal file to terminate or suspend participation in a cooperation mechanism, forum, or cooperation network on behalf of its own agency to seek written opinions from the provincial public security agency, the provincial military command, the provincial specialized agency on foreign affairs, relevant provincial departments, and other related agencies and organizations.

b) Agencies and organizations sought for opinions have the responsibility to reply in writing within seven working days from the date they receive the complete file as stipulated in point e of this clause. In cases involving complex issues related to foreign relations, security, and defense, the deadline for replying shall not exceed fifteen working days.

c) Within seven working days from the date of receiving the complete file as stipulated in point e of this clause, the Prime Minister provides written comments on the termination or suspension of participation in an organization, forum, or cooperation network on behalf of the Government; the Minister or head of an equivalent agency, and the Chairman of a provincial People's Committee provide written comments on the termination or suspension of participation in an organization, cooperation mechanism, forum, or cooperation network on behalf of their respective agencies; the Chairman of a provincial People's Committee provides written comments on the termination or suspension of participation in a cooperation mechanism, forum, or cooperation network of a commune-level People's Committee.

d) Within fifteen days from the date of termination or suspension of participation, the proposing agency, which is a ministry or equivalent agency, sends a written notice about the termination or suspension of participation in an organization, forum, or cooperation network on behalf of the Government; ministries, equivalent agencies, or provincial People's Committees send a written notice about the termination or suspension of participation in an organization, cooperation mechanism, forum, or cooperation network on behalf of their respective agencies to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the proposing agency, which is a commune-level People's Committee, sends a written notice about the termination or suspension of participation in a cooperation mechanism, forum, or cooperation network on behalf of its own agency to the provincial specialized agency on foreign affairs.

đ) The file for seeking opinions on proposals to terminate or suspend participation in organizations, cooperation mechanisms, forums, and cooperation networks includes:

- A proposal document to terminate or suspend participation in an organization, cooperation mechanism, forum, or cooperation network, including the following contents: summary of history and participation in the organization, cooperation mechanism, forum, or cooperation network; compliance with the principles stipulated in Article 3 of this Decree; reasons for proposing to terminate or suspend participation in the organization, cooperation mechanism, forum, or cooperation network; impact assessment of terminating or suspending participation in the organization, cooperation mechanism, forum, or cooperation network on politics, foreign relations, national defense, security, economy, society, and other impacts; proposed timing for termination or suspension and the duration of temporary suspension of participation in the organization, cooperation mechanism, forum, or cooperation network.

- The charter or other documents regarding the organization's structure and activities in Vietnamese and the language of the foreign country. If the charter or other documents are drafted in a foreign language, a Vietnamese translation must be attached.

e) The file submitted for termination or suspension of participation in organizations, cooperation mechanisms, forums, and cooperation networks includes:

- A proposal document on the termination or suspension of participation in organizations, cooperation mechanisms, forums, and cooperation networks, including the contents stipulated in point đ of this clause and any differing opinions between the agencies or organizations sought for opinions (if applicable).

- Written opinions of the agencies or organizations sought for opinions.

- A report explaining and incorporating the opinions of the agencies or organizations sought for opinions.

- The charter or other documents regarding the organization's structure and activities in Vietnamese and the language of the foreign country. If the charter or other documents are drafted in a foreign language, a Vietnamese translation must be attached.

5. In the case provided for in Clause 2 of this Article, the agency proposing to join the organization, cooperation mechanism, forum, cooperation network, or the agency discovering a violation of one of the principles stipulated in Article 3 of this Decree shall recommend that the competent authority specified in Clause 3 of this Article terminate or temporarily suspend participation.

 

Chapter III

TRIAL ESTABLISHMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE
OF THE PROVINCE PEOPLE'S COMMITTEE ABROAD

Article 12. Conditions and procedures for trial establishment, temporary suspension, and termination of operations of the representative office of the provincial people's committee abroad.

1. The local government of a province belonging to the group of five central cities or provinces with the highest value of foreign direct investment (new registration, adjustment, and capital contribution to purchase shares) or the highest export turnover nationwide in the previous year, or in special cases, may be piloted to establish a representative office of the provincial people's committee abroad.

The location of the representative office must belong to the group of three countries with the highest value of foreign direct investment (new registration, adjustment, and capital contribution to purchase shares) or the highest import turnover with the province or central city, or in special cases.

2. Conditions for piloting the establishment of a representative office of the provincial people's committee abroad

a) Consistent with the foreign policy and requirements of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party.

b) Consistent with needs, resources, and not increasing the total number of staff of the provincial people's committee.

c) There must be a specific project on the establishment and operation of the representative office, including the full name in Vietnamese and foreign language (if applicable), the proposed address, reasons and needs for establishment, regulations and conditions under the laws of the receiving country regarding the establishment and operation of the representative office, proposed personnel, functions, tasks, responsibilities of each member of the representative office ensuring clear person, clear task, clear responsibility, proposed headquarters, budget estimate, and plans for establishment and operation in the first three years.

3. Based on consensus with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the local government of the province decides on the establishment of a representative office abroad. If there is an objection from any of the above ministries, the representative office will not be established abroad.

4. The consultation dossier includes:

a) A consultation document proving compliance with the conditions specified in Clause 1 and point a, point b of Clause 2 of this Article (for the case of establishing a representative office) or the reasons and plans for suspending or terminating operations (for the case of suspending or terminating operations of a representative office).

b) The establishment and operation project as specified in point c of Clause 2 of this Article (for the case of establishing a representative office).

c) An agreement between relevant provincial governments (for the case of a representative office representing two or more provincial people's committees as stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 13 of this Decree).

5. The ministries consulted as specified in Clause 3 of this Article shall reply in writing within fifteen working days from the date of receipt of the complete dossier as specified in Clause 4 of this Article.

6. The local government decides on the termination or temporary suspension of the operations of the representative office of the provincial people's committee abroad in the following cases:

- The activities of the representative office are inconsistent with the foreign policy and requirements of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party, causing negative impacts on national defense, security, and diplomacy.

- Other cases decided by the local government and bearing sole responsibility.

7. The relevant local government decides and bears responsibility for the content of the agreement allowing one representative office to represent two or more provincial people's committees as stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 13 of this Decree.

Article 13. Functions, Tasks, and Organization of the Provincial People's Committee Representative Office Abroad

1. The representative office performs the function of officially representing the provincial people's committee in relations with local agencies and organizations of the receiving country. One office may represent two or more provincial people's committees at the local level of the receiving country based on an agreement between the respective local authorities.

2. Tasks and Authorities of the Representative Office

a) Promote the implementation of programs, projects, plans, and cooperative activities between the governments, agencies, organizations, enterprises, and citizens of the two countries' localities.

b) Participate in promoting and facilitating trade, investment, science and technology, cultural, and labor cooperation between the two countries' localities; advocate for and secure assistance, promote Vietnam’s history, culture, and tourism in the locality of the receiving country; assist in verifying information related to economic activities and legal status of enterprises in the locality of the receiving country when requested; connect and leverage the roles of hometown associations and individual Vietnamese people in the locality of the receiving country to serve the socio-economic development and external affairs of the provincial people's committee.

c) Study, evaluate, and provide information to the provincial people's committee about the situation and needs for cooperation in the locality of the receiving country; propose necessary measures to develop cooperative relations between the governments, enterprises, and citizens of the two countries' localities.

d) Support and facilitate the exchange of delegations and interaction activities between the two countries' localities; organize or participate in organizing promotional events and activities about the province or centrally governed city in the locality of the receiving country.

3. The provincial people's committee representative office abroad is not a part of the Vietnamese Representative Agency in the receiving country, organized and operates under a chief executive system, consistent with Vietnamese law, international law, and the laws of the country where the office is located, subject to the direction and management of the provincial people's committee and unified external management by the Vietnamese Representative Agency in the receiving country.

Article 14. Budget, Headquarters, and Material Bases of the Provincial People's Committee Representative Office Abroad

1. The provincial local government ensures necessary funds from the local budget for the representative office to perform its assigned functions, tasks, and authorities, including conditions regarding headquarters, material bases, technical facilities, and equipment necessary for the effective operation of the representative office based on reference levels for funding for Vietnamese Representative Agencies abroad. The allocation, management, use, and settlement of the representative office's budget are carried out according to legal provisions.

2. The headquarters of the representative office must have a signboard indicating the name of the representative office and may display the emblem of the province or centrally governed city.

Article 15. Members of the Provincial People's Committee Representative Office Abroad

1. Members of the provincial people's committee representative office abroad must have a bachelor's degree or higher; be proficient in English and/or the official language of the receiving country; possess relevant expertise, professional skills, and experience suitable for the job requirements; be in good health to fulfill their assigned tasks. It is encouraged to employ individuals who are permanent residents abroad to work for the representative office based on employment contracts.

2. Before appointing members of the representative office, the provincial people's committee requires proof that they meet the conditions stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article; personal records and criminal background checks of themselves, their spouse, and minor children expected to accompany them during the term of service (if applicable); seek opinions from the Ministry of Public Security regarding personnel.

3. The Chairman of the provincial people's committee decides on the appointment, dismissal, and recall of members of the provincial people's committee representative office abroad; the conclusion and termination of employment contracts with permanent residents abroad who are members of the representative office; the appointment and dismissal of the Director of the representative office.

4. Responsibilities of the Director of the Representative Office

a) Direct and organize the implementation of the representative office's functions and tasks and be responsible to the Chairman of the provincial people's committee for the performance of those functions and tasks; direct the formulation and implementation of the representative office's work program and plan.

b) Assign and arrange the work of representative office members in accordance with the Chairman of the provincial people's committee's appointment decision and the representative office's work requirements; organize the implementation and monitor the enforcement of policies and regulations for representative office members; manage labor discipline and evaluate representative office members; reward and punish within their authority or recommend competent authorities to reward and punish; resolve complaints and denunciations in accordance with the law.

c) Organize the implementation and propose measures to protect state secrets and ensure security and safety for representative office members and headquarters.

d) Manage and use the representative office's budget and material bases reasonably and economically in accordance with the law.

đ) Organize mid-term and final reviews and directly report to the Chairman of the provincial people's committee while sending reports to the Vietnamese Representative Agency in the receiving country about the representative office's activities; propose measures to improve the organizational structure, staffing, and policies for the representative office to the Chairman of the provincial people's committee.

e) Perform other tasks and authorities as prescribed by law.

5. Responsibilities of Representative Office Members

a) Adhere to Vietnamese law; protect and enhance the image, prestige, honor, and interests of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the province or centrally governed city whose representative office is located abroad.

b) Respect the laws and local customs; actively contribute to strengthening friendly cooperative relations between the authorities, agencies, and organizations of the two countries.

c) Comply with the directives and management of the Representative Office Director; report and be responsible to the Representative Office Director for the performance of assigned tasks.

d) Protect state secrets.

đ) Perform other duties and powers as prescribed by law.

6. Family members accompanying the term of service of the Representative Office member (if any), including the spouse and minor children, shall be responsible for complying with the provisions set forth in points a, b, and d of Clause 5 of this Article.

7. The Provincial People's Committee shall ensure the salary, allowances, subsidies, housing benefits, social insurance, health insurance, and annual leave benefits for Representative Office members and their family members who are spouses and minor children approved to accompany the term of service (if any) based on referring to the treatment provided to members of Vietnamese representative offices abroad and their accompanying family members. In cases where permanent residents abroad are employed by the Representative Office, the Provincial People's Committee shall implement the terms according to agreements made with such individuals in their employment contracts.

8. The term of service for Representative Office members who are not permanent residents abroad shall have a duration of thirty-six months and may be extended if necessary upon decision of the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee. The term of service for Representative Office members who are permanent residents abroad shall be determined by the labor contract with the Provincial People's Committee. The term period, including any extensions, shall not exceed December 31, 2030.

9. Within three months from the end of the term of service upon returning to the country, Representative Office members and their spouses who were dispatched for the term alongside the Representative Office member, who are civil servants, public officials, or employees not yet retirement age, shall be received and re-assigned to work at the previous agency or organization before the term of service.

Chapter IV

EXPENSE ALLOCATION FOR INTERNATIONAL INTEGRATION RESEARCH

Article 16. Methods and allocation standards for expenses related to international integration research tasks

1. Strategic research on international integration and research promoting international integration initiatives shall be carried out through expense allocation to the final product according to the standards specified in Appendix 2 attached to Resolution No. 250/2025/QH15.

2. Research tasks for drafting proposals, strategies, and key directions for international integration of ministries, sectors, and localities shall be conducted through expense allocation to the final product according to a maximum standard of five hundred million dong per proposal, strategy, or direction issued by the Government; and a maximum standard of three hundred fifty million dong per proposal, strategy, or direction issued by a Minister, Head of a Governmental Department, or Chairman of a Provincial People's Committee.

3. The methods and allocation standards stipulated in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article shall not apply to research tasks specified in Clause 5 of Article 20 of Resolution No. 250/2025/QH15, nor shall they apply to research tasks settled through financial settlement procedures under laws on science, technology, and innovation or other specialized laws.

Article 17. Establishing budget estimates, managing, using, and finalizing accounts for state budget funds to ensure international integration research work

1. Basis for establishing and approving annual plans and lists of research tasks serving international integration

a) The Party's guidelines and policies, state laws.

b) Government strategies, programs, plans, and projects.

c) Assignment of tasks by competent authorities.

d) Foreign affairs and international integration strategies, programs, plans, and projects of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and provincial People's Committees.

đ) Written commitment regarding the final product (objectives, quantity, quality, schedule) from the leading organization implementing the task to be submitted to the authority with approval power under Clause 2 of this Article.

2. Authority to approve annual plans and lists of research tasks serving international integration and the quota allocation standards for each task

a) The Minister of Foreign Affairs for national strategic research on international integration in the following year across all three channels of Party foreign relations, state diplomacy, and people's foreign relations, except for cases stipulated at point c of Clause 1 of this Article.

b) Ministers and heads of ministerial-level agencies for research promoting international integration initiatives in the following year within their respective management areas.

c) Ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and Chairpersons of provincial People's Committees for research on strategic issues, project development, strategy formulation, and directional studies on key areas of international integration in the following year; quota allocation standards for cases stipulated at point c of Clause 1 of this Article.

3. Based on the approved annual plans and lists of research tasks serving international integration by authorized authorities, primary budget units at central and local levels organize and are responsible for implementing the work of establishing, allocating, and transferring budget estimates to budget-using units under their direct management to carry out research tasks serving international integration according to the corresponding quota allocation standards specified in Appendix 2 attached to Resolution No. 250/2025/QH15 and Clause 2 of Article 16 of this Decree in accordance with the State Budget Law and other relevant laws on financial mechanisms.

4. Expenditures for implementing research tasks serving international integration include:

a) Expenses for reviewing the Party's guidelines and policies, international treaties, and related Vietnamese regulatory documents;

b) Expenses for researching international situations and experiences; translating and revising foreign documents into Vietnamese;

c) Expenses for purchasing materials, data, books, newspapers, reference journals, ownership and usage rights of intellectual property objects, and purchasing access to databases to serve the implementation of tasks;

d) Expenses for surveys and data collection to serve the implementation process; evaluating the current social relationships related to the task;

đ) Remuneration for participating in tasks including: remuneration for members involved in task implementation; wages for general labor support for research-related tasks; hiring domestic and foreign experts to collaborate in task implementation;

e) Expenses for building task implementation files; completing files based on feedback from related agencies, organizations, and individuals and implementing directives from competent authorities;

g) Expenses for soliciting opinions from related agencies, organizations, and individuals; requesting directives from competent authorities; organizing meetings to solicit opinions;

h) Expenses for organizing and conference fees for scientific conferences, forums, academic seminars, domestic and international travel expenses; international cooperation (outbound and inbound delegations) to serve task implementation;

i) Office supplies, communication, printing expenses to serve the implementation process;

k) Expenses for advising competent authorities on approving task implementation results;

l) Fees for publishing works domestically and internationally;

m) Expenses for disseminating and publicizing task results;

n) Other expenses directly related to task implementation.

5. For quota allocations up to the final product, the written commitment regarding the final product (objectives, quantity, quality, schedule) serves as the basis for evaluation upon completion and settlement of the task. The leading organization implementing the task may independently decide to adjust between expense categories and contents, decide to use labor costs to hire domestic and foreign experts according to agreed-upon funding levels; there is no need to settle accounts in detail according to each expense category and content, but rather settle the total amount of funds spent on task implementation based on the evaluation of the final product.

6. Settlement and finalization documents under the final product quota allocation method only include:

a) Documents from authorized levels, competent authorities, or authorized persons regarding the assignment or addition of tasks to programs and plans;

b) Product commitments from the leading organization implementing the task;

c) Completed final products;

d) Documents from authorized levels, competent authorities, or authorized persons regarding the approval of the final product of the international integration research task. For research tasks promoting international integration initiatives, additional documents from regional and international organizations or forums on approval or implementation are required.

7. For research tasks containing state secrets, settlement and finalization documents only include:

a) Product commitments from the leading organization implementing the task;

b) Confirmation of results by the Minister, head of a ministerial-level agency, Chairman of a provincial People's Committee, or head of a subordinate unit authorized by the Minister, head of a ministerial-level agency, or Chairman of a provincial People's Committee. The person confirming the results is responsible for checking and ensuring that the research task meets the conditions stipulated in points a, c, and d of Clause 6 of this Article;

c) For research tasks promoting international integration initiatives, additional documents from regional and international organizations or forums on approval or implementation are also required.

8. The ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and provincial People's Committees shall independently and be responsible for deciding on the use of allocated funds, ensuring that such funds are used for their intended purposes, efficiently, and economically; they must retain supporting documents and be prepared to explain when required by competent authorities. The Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, and Chairpersons of provincial People's Committees are responsible for directing and guiding relevant units under their ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and provincial People's Committees to organize the determination of the content and amount of allocations; monitor progress, conduct spot checks when necessary; evaluate outcomes based on committed products; strictly handle violations; review and clarify responsibilities of heads, collectives, and individuals within ministries, ministerial-level agencies, provincial People's Committees, and budget management and usage units when the auditing and inspection agencies discover violations during implementation.

 

Chapter V

OTHER SPECIAL MECHANISMS AND POLICIES

 

Article 18. Principles, Procedures, and Formalities for Granting Privileges, Immunities, and Facilitations to International Organizations, Foreign Offices, and Special Missions

1. The granting of privileges, immunities, and facilitations to intergovernmental international organizations established based on international treaties; international organizations with members including governments and agencies, organizations, and individuals; international organizations with legal personality recognized as having a status similar to intergovernmental international organizations under Vietnamese law, international law, and international practice; offices established according to international treaties to which Vietnam is a party; offices of organizations established by foreign states or governments; special missions of states and intergovernmental international organizations; and guests invited by leaders of the Party, State, and Government must comply with the principles stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 3 of this Decree.

2. The proposing agency, which is a ministry or a ministerial-level agency, shall submit a dossier to seek the written opinions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Justice, and other relevant agencies and organizations regarding the granting of privileges, immunities, and facilitations to the entities specified in Clause 1 of this Article. In cases where land needs to be arranged for office premises for international organizations or foreign offices, the opinion of the provincial People's Committee where the office is planned to be located must also be sought.

3. The dossier for seeking opinions includes:

a) A draft Memorandum to the Government regarding the granting of privileges, immunities, and facilitations, which introduces the role of the entity proposed to enjoy such privileges, immunities, and facilitations; the political basis, legal foundation, and international practice; specific proposals on privileges, immunities, and facilitations; an assessment of the political, diplomatic, defense, security, economic, social, and other impacts of granting such privileges, immunities, and facilitations; compliance with the principles stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 3 of this Decree.

b) International treaties and related documents (if applicable).

c) Requirements for office premises in cases of establishing or transferring the office of an international organization or foreign office to Vietnam.

4. Agencies and organizations solicited for opinions have the responsibility to respond in writing within seven working days from the date of receipt of the dossier as stipulated in Clause 3 of this Article.

5. The proposing agency has the responsibility to study and incorporate the opinions of the solicited agencies and organizations, perfect the dossier, and submit it to the Government for decision.

6. The dossier submitted to the Government includes:

a) A Memorandum to the Government regarding the granting of privileges, immunities, and facilitations, which includes the contents specified in point a of Clause 3 of this Article and issues with differing opinions between solicited agencies and organizations (if any);

b) Written opinions of solicited agencies and organizations;

c) A report explaining and incorporating the opinions of solicited agencies and organizations;

d) International treaties and related documents (if applicable). If these documents are drafted in a foreign language, a Vietnamese translation must be attached.

đ) Requirements for office premises in cases of establishing or transferring the office of an organization or office to Vietnam.

7. Within seven working days from the date of receipt of the dossier as stipulated in Clause 6 of this Article, the Government shall provide its written opinion on the granting of privileges, immunities, and facilitations to international organizations and foreign offices.

Article 19. Vietnam Research Program

1. The Vietnam Research Program, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to establish and implement, aims to promote research and dissemination of the Vietnamese language abroad, understanding of Vietnam's country, people, and culture abroad, enhance global public understanding and affection towards Vietnam, as well as strengthen the connection between overseas Vietnamese communities and their homeland.

2. Main components of the Vietnam Research Program

a) Support for the implementation of research programs and activities, and the dissemination of the Vietnamese language; training courses on Vietnamese teaching skills, and Vietnamese language classes abroad.

b) Grant scholarships and support for Vietnam research abroad.

c) Promote the establishment of research institutions and networks for Vietnam abroad.

d) Organize roundtable discussions, seminars, and other cultural diplomatic events of Vietnam abroad.

đ) Support scholars, artists, and influential individuals, including Vietnamese citizens and foreigners, to participate in Vietnam’s diplomatic cultural activities abroad.

e) Other activities to achieve the objectives of the Vietnam Research Program as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article.

3. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs leads and coordinates with the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and related agencies and organizations to develop an annual implementation plan for the Vietnam Research Program to be submitted to the Prime Minister no later than June 1st of the preceding year. This deadline does not apply to the 2026 plan.

The development of the annual implementation plan for the Vietnam Research Program must ensure compliance with the purposes specified in Clause 1 of this Article and be consistent with economic and social conditions. The Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and related agencies and organizations shall provide comments within their respective functions and responsibilities.

4. Funding for the Vietnam Research Program is guaranteed from the state budget and other lawful sources as prescribed by law.
the state budget and other lawful sources of funding as prescribed by law.

Article 20. Guest Program for Party, State, and Government Leaders

1. The Guest Program for Party, State, and Government Leaders, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to establish and implement, aims to invite leaders and influential figures from various countries in politics, economy, culture, society, arts, science, and technology to Vietnam on behalf of key leadership and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, to enhance understanding and relations with Vietnam.

2. Components of the Guest Program are designed flexibly based on the guest's profile and needs. Common components include:

a) Working with Party, State, and Government leaders, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

b) Policy dialogue, specialized discussions.

c) Exchange with Vietnamese partners.

d) Experiencing Vietnam's history, culture, country, and people.

đ) Other activities to achieve the objectives of the Guest Program as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article.

3. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs leads and coordinates with relevant agencies and organizations to develop an annual implementation plan for the Guest Program to be submitted to the competent authority for decision-making no later than June 1st of the preceding year. This deadline does not apply to the 2026 plan.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs builds and manages a database of guests; recommends measures to maintain and develop relations with guests to the competent authority.

4. Funding for the Guest Program is guaranteed from the state budget and other lawful sources as prescribed by law.

Article 21. Creating conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to operate abroad

1. At the request of Vietnamese enterprises, Vietnamese representative offices abroad shall provide information on the investment and business environment, policies, and laws of the host country; assist in gathering information about partners, introduce and connect with Vietnamese trade associations and suitable partners in the host country; implement other supportive measures consistent with the laws of Vietnam and the host country to enable Vietnamese enterprises to operate and develop abroad.

2. Depending on business requirements, Vietnamese enterprises may implement appropriate business measures in accordance with the laws of the host country and not contrary to Vietnamese laws, including establishing, operating, and using bonded warehouses and other logistics services abroad.

3. Vietnamese businesses and entrepreneurs abroad may establish Vietnamese Trade Associations abroad in accordance with the laws of the host country for the purpose of representing, protecting, and promoting the legitimate rights and interests of members in relation to the host country; maintaining and developing a favorable business environment for members in the host country; promoting trade and investment relations between Vietnam and the host country; maintaining and developing cooperative relationships with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, other Vietnamese trade associations abroad, and relevant agencies and organizations.

4. The nature of Vietnamese Trade Associations abroad is a non-governmental, non-profit organization established, organized, and operated on a voluntary, self-managed, democratic, equal, transparent, self-funded basis without profit objectives, consistent with the laws of Vietnam and the host country.

5. The Vietnamese name is the Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce in (name of the host country); the full English name is Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce in (name of the host country); the abbreviated English name is VietCham.

6. Vietnamese Trade Associations abroad may have their own emblem and register copyrights in accordance with the law.

7. Support policies for Vietnamese Trade Associations abroad

a) Invited to participate in appropriate activities related to trade and investment between Vietnam and the host country, including exchanges between Vietnamese competent authorities and competent authorities of the host country; advising and critiquing policies, programs, projects, topics, plans, and other activities.

b) Provided with information on the guidelines, policies, and laws of the Vietnamese State regarding socio-economic development, political and economic relations between Vietnam and the host country.

Other supportive measures consistent with the laws of Vietnam and the host country.

Article 22. Procedures for Issuing Criminal Record Certificates for Vietnamese Citizens at Vietnamese Representative Offices Abroad

1. The application dossier for issuing a Criminal Record Certificate for Vietnamese citizens abroad submitted directly or sent via postal service to Vietnamese representative offices abroad includes:

a) A Criminal Record Certificate application form according to the prescribed model of the Ministry of Public Security.

b) A copy of one of the following valid documents of the person applying for the Criminal Record Certificate: identity card, citizen identity card, or Vietnamese passport.

c) A notarized or certified power of attorney for cases where another person is authorized to handle the application for a Criminal Record Certificate number 1 and is not the father, mother, wife, husband, or child of the authorizing person.

d) An envelope with sufficient stamps and the address of the recipient noted for cases where the result is requested to be received via postal service.

2. Within two working days from the date of receiving a complete and valid application dossier, Vietnamese representative offices abroad transfer the application for issuing a Criminal Record Certificate to the competent authority of the Ministry of Public Security.

3. Within five working days from the date of receipt of the application, the competent authority of the Ministry of Public Security responds to Vietnamese representative offices abroad regarding the issuance of the Criminal Record Certificate. In cases requiring verification of new criminal records or offenses, the response time may be extended but not exceeding fifteen days.

4. Within one working day from the date of receipt of the response, Vietnamese representative offices abroad process the issuance of the Criminal Record Certificate based on the results of the competent authority of the Ministry of Public Security.

5. The level of fees, collection, payment, management, and use of fees for providing criminal record information are implemented in accordance with the law on fees and charges. The head of Vietnamese representative offices abroad considers and decides to waive the fee for issuing a Criminal Record Certificate in cases that benefit the promotion of Vietnam's international integration.

6. Vietnamese representative offices abroad manage, store application files, and resolve other matters related to the issuance of Criminal Record Certificates in accordance with the law.

Article 23. Implementation of real estate purchase projects and construction projects of Vietnamese agencies abroad

1. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Ministers of ministries having agencies abroad shall have the authority to decide and be responsible for purchasing real estate outside Vietnam within their management scope according to the procedures and formalities of urgent public investment projects as prescribed by the Public Investment Law when there is a need outside the approved medium-term public investment program.

2. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Ministers of ministries having agencies abroad may decide and bear responsibility for the procedures and formalities of preparing, implementing, and concluding construction projects of Vietnamese agencies abroad if the relevant laws of the receiving country differ from government decrees and resolutions but must still comply with laws, resolutions of the National Assembly, ordinances, and resolutions of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly.

 

Chapter VI

IMPLEMENTATION PROVISIONS

Article 24. Organization of Implementation

1. The Minister of Foreign Affairs shall coordinate with the Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, and Chairpersons of provincial People's Committees to guide and organize the implementation of this Decree.

2. The Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies; Chairpersons of provincial People's Councils, and Chairpersons of provincial People's Committees, where necessary, shall consider and decide on issuing guiding documents to implement systems and policies within their respective authorities in accordance with this Decree.

3. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

a) Building, managing, and operating databases on participation in organizations, forums, and cooperation networks of the Government, ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and provincial People's Committees without entering into international treaties or agreements.

b) Reporting to the Government on the implementation of this Decree annually or upon request; submitting reports to the Government for submission to the National Assembly.

c) Taking the lead and coordinating with ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and provincial People's Committees to evaluate pilot mechanisms for establishing representative offices of provincial People's Committees abroad and reporting to the Government.

4. Responsibilities of Ministries and Ministerial-Level Agencies

a) Developing long-term plans and annual plans for participation in organizations, forums, and cooperation networks of the Government, ministries, and ministerial-level agencies without entering into international treaties or agreements, and sending them to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for monitoring and compiling reports to the Prime Minister; annual plans should be sent before November 30 of the previous year.

b) Storing original copies of documents confirming participation in organizations, forums, and cooperation networks of the Government, ministries, and ministerial-level agencies without entering into international treaties or agreements, in accordance with the law on archives.

c) Reporting on the implementation of this Decree before November 30 each year or upon request, sending them to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for monitoring and compiling reports to the Government.

d) Promoting and disseminating this Decree to agencies, organizations, and individuals under their jurisdiction.

5. Responsibilities of Provincial People's Committees

a) Implementing tasks and exercising powers similar to those stipulated in Clause 4 of this Article related to the implementation of this Decree by provincial People's Committees and village People's Committees.

b) Where necessary, considering and deciding on issuing or submitting to provincial People's Councils for issuance of guiding documents on establishing, organizing, and operating representative offices of provincial People's Committees abroad in accordance with this Decree.

c) Compiling and submitting to competent authorities for budget allocation for the implementation of tasks stipulated in this Decree from local budgets in accordance with the State Budget Law and relevant laws.

Article 25. Implementation Provisions

1. This Decree shall take effect from the date of issuance.

2. The Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, Chairpersons of the People's Councils at provincial level, Chairpersons of the People's Committees at provincial level, and other organizations and individuals related to this Decree shall be responsible for its implementation.

Article 26. Transitional Provisions

Research tasks assigned before January 1, 2026, and approved, adopted, and issued by competent authorities from January 1, 2026, shall be paid, settled, and finalized according to the budget allocation regulations stipulated in Resolution No. 250/2025/QH15 and in this Decree.